Boston man charged with home invasion and rape in Arlington

ARLINGTON -- A 45-year-old sex offender from Boston is charged with breaking into an Arlington woman's home Sunday night, and beating and raping her, according to police.

Police Chief Frederick Ryan said that as Arlington police officers were conducting a well-being check on an Arlington woman at about 8:15 Sunday night, a man fled out the back door. Officers gave chase on foot and captured the suspect a short time later.

Essie L. Billingslea, 45, of Boston, a Level 3 Sex Offender, was arrested and has been charged with aggravated rape, subsequent offense, kidnapping, home invasion, assault and battery, and armed assault in a dwelling.

When officers entered the home, they found that the woman had serious injuries, and told police that she had been the victim of a home invasion and sexual assault.

"This is a heinous crime. A woman has been viciously attacked in her home by a Level 3 sex offender with a history of violence," Ryan said. "I commend my officers for capturing this dangerous felon, and we will spare no resource in providing the victim with the support and care that she needs."

Billingslea was kept at the Arlington Police Station Sunday night, and is to be arraigned in Cambridge District Court this morning.